Tag: The Bay

I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Fashion, Beauty and Jewellery

It’s that time of year again and I want – I got is putting together massive Gift Guides of things I think would be perfect to give as gifts this season. The fifth edition of the Gift Guides is the one we’ve been waiting for Fashion, Beauty and Jewellery. This is a big one and I could go on for days with selections.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Cabaret Vintage Flapper Dress
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Cabaret Vintage Flapper Dress

Who doesn’t love the 20s? It’s my favourite style era and I love these Vintage Style Flapper Dresses by Cabaret Vintage. They range in price from $195 to 350 and are available online or at the Queen Street location.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Comrags Quartz Border Ed Tunic
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Comrags Quartz Border Ed Tunic

It’s really unfortunate that I don’t own anything by Comrags yet (Note to self, remedy this in 2014). I love the Quartz Border Ed Tunic by Comrags for $335. It’s available online or at their Toronto location.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Philip Sparks Shoes
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Philip Sparks Shoes
I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Philip Sparks Shoes
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Philip Sparks Shoes
I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Philip Sparks Shoes
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Philip Sparks Shoes

Philip Sparks’s Footwear is amazing. I love every style with the tall boots being my absolute favourite. They range in price from $350 to $495 and are available at the Ossington location or online.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Christopher Kane Sweatershirt
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Christopher Kane Sweatershirt

The ultimate sweatshirt is the Christopher Kane Resort 2014 Printed cotton-jersey sweatshirt which retails for $465 at Net-A-Porter. The Room at The Bay also carries Christopher Kane but I’m not sure if this sweater is available there.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Abel Munoz
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Abel Munoz

I finally bought my first pair of Abel Munoz shoes this year. I love Harlow Gold and Black which retails for $495 and is available online. If you are in Toronto you can book and appointment and buy the shoes in person.

SkinnI want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Lazypants
SkinnI want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Lazypants

I’ve purchased sweatpants twice in my life since turning 20. They are just something I don’t wear outside the house. Sometimes, I do need something cute to wear when running to the corner store and the laundry room. I’d be totally happy to receive Green Camo Skinnies from Lazypants are perfect. I love camo print, they are slim fit and they aren’t the traditional grey colour. They retail for $118 and is available online or at TNT.

SkinnI want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Ela
SkinnI want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Ela

I own an Ela Editor’s Pouch in rose gold but it doesn’t have stars. You can get the Ela Large Editor’s Pouch online at eLuxe.ca for $338 or visit a Holt Renfrew location.

SkinnI want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Lancome
SkinnI want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Lancome

It’s not an I want – I got gift guide if I’m not telling you to get some Lancome mascara. The Holiday Makeup Collection by Lancôme contains:
– limited edition Hypnôse Star Étincelle for $33
РHypn̫se Velours Multi-Wear Eyeliner Patches for $28

This ultra-precious kit contains 3 pairs of eyeliner patches which can be reused up to 3 times, to enhance the shape of the eye and stretch out towards the outer corner for an incredible wide-eyed look.

– Vernis in Love nail polish in Étincelle d’Agent, Étincelle de Neige and Lovered for $16 each.
I’m in love with the nail polish this holiday Étincelle de Neige has a really beautiful effect. The holiday collection is available online or at your local Lancome Counter (try The Bay, Sephora or Holt Renfrew).

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Dean Davidson
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Dean Davidson

No words are needed to describe the beauty that is Dean Davidson’s Spectrum Collar for $425. Available online and there is a select of merchandise available at Holt Renfew. It comes in several options for stones (Black Onyx, Lapis, White Topaz) and metal (Rose, Silver, Gold).

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Lancome Show False Lashes
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Lancome Show False Lashes

There are still Hypnôse Show Lashes from Lancôme. Get you hands on these false lashes designed by Alber Elbaz for $35. Available online.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Shay Lowe Jewellry Glorious Emerald Statement Necklace
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Shay Lowe Jewellry Glorious Emerald Statement Necklace

Eyecatching statement jewellery is always a great gift and Shay Lowe’s Shay Lowe Jewellery Fall and Holiday Collection definitely fit the bill. I’m quite partial to the Glorious Emerald Statement Necklace which retails for $395 and is available for purchase online.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Jenny Bird
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Jenny Bird

Jenny Bird is such a sweet person. I purchased some earrings from her and she gifted me the Long Horn Tusk Earrings which were inspired by the beauty of elephant tusks. They are amazing and come in a Gold version too. $55USD available online.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Marni
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Marni

Marni Eau de Parfum is my favourite new perfume of the year. It’s exclusive to Holt Renfrew and retails for $125

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Dermalogica
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Dermalogica

Dermalogica – Stock up on their favourite products or introduce them to new ones with the Holiday Skin Sets. Sets start at $32 and can be purchased online or at a licensed retailer like Concepts.

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Pink Tartan
I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Pink Tartan

Pink Tartan makes a killer full skirt. I just love the Chrysanthemum Midi Skirt in Black for $325. You can order the skirt online or at the Pink Tartan shop in Yorkville.

Hudson’s Bay Company x Converse Jack Purcell – Fall 2013

Hudson's Bay Company x Converse Jack Purcell - Fall 2013
Hudson’s Bay Company x Converse Jack Purcell – Fall 2013

Converse is killing it for Fall 2013. There is the Maison Martin Margiela collaboration and one featuring an iconic Canadian institution, Hudson’s Bay Company. Those of you that covet Hudson’s Bay Company stripes, these are the sneaker for you.

Available in the unisex Converse Jack Purcell, Duck Boot and women’s only Helen silhouettes, each style embodies the Hudson’s Bay Company wool point blanket stripes, with features such as threaded stitching and antique brass eyelets, and the Jack Purcell and Hudson’s Bay logos on the foot bed. These silhouettes also carry an official “Seal of Quality” maintaining the authenticity of Hudson’s Bay Company. Additionally, the Jack Purcell Duck features a leather collar and heel stay, as well as embroidery on the tongue of the shoe, creating an elevated style that merges these two iconic brands. (source: Press Release)

The Converse x Hudson’s Bay Company Jack Purcell collection is available exclusively at Hudson’s
Bay Stores and will retail for $120-140.

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance and Palladium

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with Palladium
Changing Up My Sneaker Game with Palladium

Fall weather means parting with my sandals and covering up with closed toe shoes. My sneaker collection loves fall because I forget about them in the summer and they sit unused. Normally my sneaker game consists of Tretorns and Chucks of various styles. I have a thing for high tops and I have my Vegas Adidas and a great pair of Alexander McQueen for Puma kicking around too. This fall I wanted to change the silhouette up in my shoe game and that came in Palladium and New Balance form.

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with Palladium
Changing Up My Sneaker Game with Palladium

Palladium is a French company started in 1920. Their famous Pampa boot was born in 1947 and the French Legion adapted them for their use. I’ve been receiving their press releases for a few years now but never saw the shoes in person. That changed this summer when I went to a Fall Winter 2013 preview. I really like the shape of the shoes and the different treatments they came in. Palladium loves colour and you can find the perfect colour for you in canvas or leather. Lucky for me, Palladium sent me a pair of Blanc Hi’s in Dream Blue in the summer. With the weather changing, I’ve finally got to put them to good use. I was initially concerned that they might not be comfortable. I always wear orthotics with my Chucks because the sole offers no support. The Blanc Hi’s were super comfortable and I didn’t need to wear my orthotics with them. The colour is perfect right now and I’m afraid of them getting too dirty. I got my eyes on the Blanc Hi in red leather now.

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance
Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance

I bought these New Balance sneakers because they were on sale at The Hudson’s Bay for $36 (I know, what a deal!). New Balance has always gotten positive buzz from people and I always loved that they liked to add a fashionable colour element to their design. I wanted a camo pair of New Balance but they weren’t on sale so I decided for these purple one. Wearing these New Balance sneakers was an adjustment to me. I never wear sport shoes out in public, only at the gym. Well, I’ve made an exception for New Balance. These are the most comfortable pair of sport shoes I’ve ever owned and when those camo ones go on sale, I’ll be buying them for my collection. If you are into customization, New Balance offers that service online and you can create the pair of your dreams.

Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance
Changing Up My Sneaker Game with New Balance – And yes this post was a perfect reason to use this photo

I haven’t figured out how to pair these sneakers with dresses yet and I don’t think I’ll ever find that sweet spot. Right now I’m keeping it very casual with rolled up denim as you can see in my photos. You can purchase both New Balance and Palladium on their respective online sites. I find New Balance fits small and I needed an 8.5 instead of my usual 8. Palladium fit true to size. However, if you want to try them on you can find New Balance in a ton of stores besides The Hudson’s Bay. Palladium you can find at places like Over the Rainbow and Town Shoes.

Proenza Schouler at The Room

Proenza Schouler at The Room

The Proenza Schouler duo of Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough came to Toronto for very short day trip and The Room celebrated their arrival. Unlike the Anna Dello Russo party, this was a small affair. It was a welcome change from the madness of Anna. I brought a long time blogging friend Zoë Hong with me. She’s a designer from San Fransisco that happened to be vacationing in Toronto for the weekend. Her Asymmetrical black leather corselet belt made my I want list. I still think about it.

Proenza Schouler at The Room

It was hilarious that Zoë visits Toronto and Danielle isn’t in the country.  Zoë did tell me stories of her adventures with Danielle in NYC to fill the void. It was pretty surprising that Jennifer Campbell of Flare recognized Zoë from the Internet. Oh, old school fash blogging days.

Proenza Schouler at The Room

Some media got interview time with Jack and Lazaro at the beginning of the event. I met them, super quickly made small talk and then photos. It’s like a factory floor when all the guests want to meet the guests. The guys were really sweet and they took pictures with everyone and chatted. Very gracefully I might add. I have one question I wish I remembered to ask them. I’m curious how their Moda Operandi experience went? I think it’s a pretty neat idea. It’s your typical membership based online shopping site with a twist: designer trunk shows. Moda Operandi gives shoppers a chance to purchase items from designers before production has started. It’s full access to the entire collection instead of the buyers selections when it hits the stores. Like a trunk show, you pay 50% up front. A few months later, at the start of the seaason’s deliveries,  you receive your purchase and you pay the remaining 50%. People can now order that crazy finale statement dress that will never see retail because of its low sell through rate or budget constraints. I’m pretty impressed with the site (great images and video) and it’s damn tempting, let me tell you.

Proenza Schouler at The Room

Of course, men and women were swooning over Jack and Lazaro. Jack’s blue eyes are so striking. You can tell I’m just swooning like crazy in this photo. They are so cute, look at those smiles.

Proenza Schouler at The Room

Now I loved swooning over the boys and everything but my main concern was the clothing. This is why I love these pre-trunk show parties. It’s all about up close access to the clothing. To see it and touch it. Racks and racks of Proenza Schouler filled the space. I’ve seen a few pieces here and there but never this much. I successfully didn’t drool on any PS1 handbags.

Proenza Schouler at The Room

The clothing is so phenomenal, I want to wear it all. I wish I could afford it all.

Proenza Schouler at The Room

See all my photos from Proenza Schouler at The Room.

If you are interested in checking out what everyone was wearing (including yours truly) please check out these wonderful sites:
1. These Roving Eyes – Jason Hudson is a wizard with the camera. He’s also a complete doll and included 3 photos of me in his event roundup.
2. B-Insider – The Bay’s blog is pretty impressive. Christopher Sherman took Polaroid photos and then scanned them. Really cute.

John Allan’s Club at The Bay, Queen Street Launch Party

I attended the opening party for the John Allan Club at The Bay on Queen Street. The John Allan Club is a membership based men’s grooming club where all aspects of male grooming are taken care of by expert staff. The Bay John Allan Club is first international location and the sixth overall.

John Allan was in attendance along with Bonnie Brooks and one of the Bachelors from that horrible, horrible Bachelor series. I think he’s following me because I saw him again while I was out last week, ha ha. I don’t need to be in close proximity to anyone on that show. Anyways, John talked for a bit and I decided to record some video.

Hudson’s Bay x Colette

Hudson's Bay x Colette

Colette is selling a few select items from The Hudson’s Bay online.

For 340 years, this company has been warming up adventurers, first those under the English crown and then North Americans. Known and loved for its four lines of distinctive colors (blue, yellow, red and green), Hudson Bay is now crossing the Seine to arrive at colette

Hudson's Bay x Colette

You can get a cashmere hot water bottle, cashmere scarf, a mug by Geoff McFedtridge and an adorable Snowman kit that includes a scarf, a plastic carrot, 2 buttons and a pipe.  My favourite item is the mug, so adorable.

images: colette.fr

EDIT by Jeanne Beker Fall Winter 2010 – 2011

Edit by Jeanne Beker Fall Winter 2010 - 2011

A small group of online media joined Jeanne Beker at The Bay headquarters for a preview of EDIT by Jeanne Beker. Since everyone is doing the celebrity lines why not Jeanne. She at least has the years of fashion knowledge that makes it palatable to me. Jeanne never claims to be a designer. She’s partnered with the Corwick Group from Montreal who takes on the designer duties. It was a great experience to have Jeanne at our disposal and she talked about the industry and the changes that have happened with online. She made a crack about how everyone in the room probably weren’t of an age to remember a Pre-Fashion Television world. However, there were a couple of us that chimed in to correct her. Fashion Television is celebrating 25 years and the release of EDIT by Jeanne Beker is to  to coincide with the anniversary.

This 25 piece capsule collection will be available in 65 Bay stores in September. It consists of Jeanne’s personal selection of silhouettes and colours she feels are must haves. These are wardrobe building pieces. Classic items that you can pair with anything. Separates are chosen in a way so that the collection can serve a work and casual purpose. Casual means denim and there are Jeanne Jeans and Jeanne Jeggings to fit the bill. That’s right jean leggings. A portion of sales from the jeans goes toward Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that provides tools for career development to low-income women,

“Having worked in fashion’s trenches for 25 years now, in a career that often has a lot to do with “appearances”, I’ve learned a thing or two about wardrobe essentials and how the right choices can help not only make dressing easier, but a lot more fun. What a joy to be able to reach out to such an eclectic array of women who are like-minded, and understand fashion’s potential to build confidence, and ultimately empower us!”
~ Jeanne Beker

Edit by Jeanne Beker Fall Winter 2010 - 2011

The standout piece of this collection for me is the Camel Cape Jacket for $195. Prices range from $80 – $195 and sizes from 2 – 16. You can get a chance to meet Jeanne as she will be starting a national flagship store tour in October to promote the line.

images: courtesy of The Bay

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Jason Wu at The Room

Jason Wu At The Room
photo taken by JJ at The Compendium Daily

Jason Wu and I have similar shaped heads. I can’t get that thought out of my mind whenever I look at this picture. I met Jason when he came to The Room for a Trunk Show and cocktail party in his honour. Jason Wu’s bio reads like one of the those prodigy kids. At 16 he was well on his way to becoming a designer creating couture like clothing for dolls at Integrity Toys. At 17, he became the Creative Director of Integrity Toys.

Jason Wu at The Room

Jason studied fashion design at Parson and started his namesake label in 2006. He created Michelle Obama’s ivory inaugural gown which pushed him into the limelight and made him a household name.

Jason Wu at The Room

I never appreciated Jason’s collection until I saw it up close. His style is very ladylike; socialite wear if you’d like. The details and fabrics that make his clothing interesting aren’t noticeable in photos. I was really surprised at some of the luxurious fabrics he used in the collections. All clothing is manufactured in the United States.

Jason Wu at The Room

The Room had a mixture of Spring Summer 2010, Pre-Fall 2010 and Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 collections available for browsing. I love the olive-green and leather dress from the Pre-Fall 2010 collection. Actually, I like the Pre-Fall 2010 collection and posted about late last year. I also really like the gold leaf dresses from the Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 collection.

Jason Wu at The Room

I do find Jason Wu’s collections are a bit of a hodge podge of looks. I can never seem to grasp an underlying theme or style that stands out as Jason Wu in my mind. Regardless the man does make some pretty clothing with interesting details.

Jason Wu at The Room

Jason Wu at The Room

Jason Wu at The Room

I wasn’t able to interview Jason but I found a video where he talks about his inspiration for Fall Winter 2010 – 2011

Derek Blasberg at The Room

Derek Blasberg at The Room

Derek Blasberg was at The Room to promote his best selling book, Classy, Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady.

If you’ve ever wondered how to climb the social ladder with grace, how to feel confident in every situation, or even how to make a lasting impression (but not the kind that lands you on the latest “Worst Dressed List”)—Derek Blasberg is here, with quotes and secrets from all the socialites so girls everywhere can learn how to have class.

This hilarious handbook will provide everything you need to know about fashion, socializing, dating, and etiquette. With tons of practical tips and tools for learning to flaunt what you’ve got, dozens of specific how-tos, common no-nos, and huge blunders that even smart girls make, this tongue-in-cheek book will train you to be a lady, and not a tramp!

Derek Blasberg at The Room

The people watching at the party was very interesting. There were a lot of scenester kids around dressed to the nines. I love that. They make fashion fun and I’m glad someone is there to take it seriously because I’m lazy in that regard. I came to the party from the office and had those restrictions.  I obsessed over Jeremy Laing’s assistant, Sarah.  She was wearing one of the pieces from the Fall Winter 2010 – 2010 collection and it looked stunning on her.  She is the only girl I know that can fully rock the orange Prada-esque lipstick.

Derek Blasberg at The Room

Suzanne Rogers approached me as I was waiting for Derek to get a photo and say hi. She knew my name (we’ve met once and I’m really sure she didn’t remember) and said she was a fan of I want – I got. Needless to say I was in complete shock. I had no idea I was on the radar of socialites. It was pretty special because I’m a Suzanne Rogers fangirl.

Derek was very sweet. He signed my book and took a photo. He worked the room like no one’s business and spoke to everyone there. It was really amazing to watch.  Towards the end of the night, Derek took one of his photo heads and placed it on Jason’s drawing, it was hilarious.  It was a fun little event and thanks to The Room for providing copies of Classy for all the attendees.  I haven’t read mine yet, but it looks like a fun little book.

i want: Alaïa Spring Summer 2010 Shoes

Alaïa Leather wedge sandals
Alaïa Leather wedge sandals

Alaïa Lace-front peep-toe ankle boots
Alaia Lace-front peep-toe ankle boots

I didn’t see any of notice the Alaïa sandals when I was at The Room taking photos.  I love the detailing on both shoes and the Lace front peep-toe are my favourites. You can find both of these styles online at net-a-porter.com. Both Holt Renfrew and The Room sells Alaïa shoes in Toronto.

images: net-a-porter.com